Video: Trail running helps man overcome depression

Paul Charteris (Supplied)
Paul Charteris (Supplied)

Trail ultra-running is booming in popularity, with more than 12,000 races now held around the world every year.

That's a lot of chances to feel some serious pain, with every race at least 50 kilometres long.

Three of New Zealand's biggest ultra events are organised by Paul Charteris - a man who says he owes his life to trail-running.

Trail running helped Charteris overcome a decade-long battle with depression.

Charteris was studying in Colorado when he was diagnosed with depression and that was when he was introduced to trail-running.

Many years on, Charteris has turned trail-running into a successful business.

"I lived in California for many years and saw a massive explosion in the growth of ultra marathons, and I thought that could be something that could work in New Zealand," says Charteris.

"When I first started there weren't many kids doing this sort of thing, but now it's taken off.

"You feel calm and relaxed and more connected."

If you are dealing with any issues like depression, help is available. You can contact Lifeline on 0800 543 354.

Newshub.